Meteorite travels unscathed through space for two million years before crashing in Costa Rica

In April 2019, a unique group of meteorites fell into a forest in Aguas Zarcas, Costa Rica, captivating researchers with their peculiar shapes and characteristics. Weighing around 27kg, the meteorites have been identified as rare ‘mudballs’, which suggests they contain water-rich minerals. Analysis of videos from security and dashboard cameras revealed that these cosmic rocks entered Earth's atmosphere at a near-vertical angle, traveling at a speed of 14.6 kilometers per second. This high-speed entry caused the mass to shatter at approximately 25 km above the surface, leading to a significant flash detectable by satellites. As researchers examined the surviving fragments, they learned that the meteorite's parent rock likely originated from the asteroid belt, specifically from a larger asteroid situated in its outer regions. This rock, with a diameter of about 60cm, had been traveling through the cosmos for two million years. Scientifically, it has been noted that the immense strength of the parent rock allowed a sizable portion of the meteorites to remain intact, despite the extreme heat generated during atmospheric entry. Astrochemist Kees Welten from the University of California Berkeley provided insight into the parent rock’s journey, indicating it had not experienced any collisions for two million years. This long duration in space led to a measurable exposure to cosmic rays, allowing researchers to trace its history back to when it broke free from its original asteroid. As the fragments landed on Costa Rica’s soft jungle and grassy surfaces, they showcased the resilience of their structure. The findings underscore the significance of the Aguas Zarcas meteorite event for the field of meteoritics, with researchers stating that this event represents a notable milestone in understanding meteorite origins. It highlights how objects can endure the harsh conditions of space for extended periods while remaining remarkably intact until their eventual entry into Earth’s atmosphere.